Best Things To Do in London This Autumn

Read Time:6 Minute, 18 Second

As the leaves change and the air begins to cool, autumn in London brings beautiful scenery and a lovely sense of cosiness. The streets are filled with people in coats dodging other people’s umbrellas, and the sense that Santa Claus is coming to town starts to set in.

But before the silly season rears its jolly head and stocking stuffers and jingle bells consume your mind, there is so much to see and do in autumnal London – check out our list of events and activities to get you in the spirit of fall!

Be Awed by Kyoto Garden

Opened in 1991, Kyoto Gardens was a gift to commemorate the long-standing friendship between Japan and Great Britain. Emulating the traditional Japanese landscape, the gardens are the perfect city escape with water features, lush trees, gorgeous plants, and a cascading waterfall that flows into a pond filled with koi fish.

Located in Holland Park, the garden is designed in ‘kaiyushiki’ style which means to ‘stroll garden’, and we suggest you do just that. Walk through the winding path and enjoy the colourful display of leaves from the changing trees, see the stone lanterns, and walk over the cute marble bridge. There’s even a muster of peacocks roaming the gardens, that are sure to catch your eye!

Spend The Day at Richmond Park

The largest of London’s Royal Parks, Richmond Park is, for lack of a better word, a complete utopia! With deer, ponds, walking and cycling trails, vast greenery, a golf course, a children’s playground, multiple eateries, and views of London’s skyline, what more could you possibly want? For a leisurely visit in the autumn, walk along the 7-mile (11km) Tasmin Trail and scope out the permitter of the park, or warm up in Pembroke Lodge which offers lovely tea rooms and picturesque gardens with vistas over the Thames Valley.

If the lovely surroundings weren’t impressive enough (we doubt it), then the origins of the park might do the trick. Richmond Park can be traced back to 1625 when Charles I moved his court to Richmond Palace to escape the plague. He turned the landscape into a hunting park filled with red and fallow deer, and some of the trees that he would have ridden past are still standing today. How’s that for historic!

Celebrate Bonfire Night

Remember, Remember, the 5^th of November! If you know those words, then you probably know the name Guy Fawkes. A member of the Gunpowder Plot, Guy Fawkes was arrested on November 5^th, 1605; while guarding explosives the Catholic plotters had placed beneath the House of Lords to assassinate Protestant King James I and his parliament.

In celebration of the king’s survival, people lit bonfires around London, and within a few decades, the event was named Gunpowder Treason Day and held strong Protestant religious overtones with the burning of Catholic effigies. Towards the end of the 18^th century, the burning of Guy Fawkes effigies was popular with children and eventually resulted in November 5^th becoming Guy Fawkes Day.

We have come a long way since then, and Bonfire Night is no longer rooted in religious tensions, but a celebration in which all are welcome. There are a range of bonfire and fireworks events across all of London where you can enjoy impressive pyrotechnics, seasonal food and drink, and family-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained. The largest displays of fireworks with food stalls, music, and rides are at Alexandra Palace, Battersea Park, and Blackheath. Bonfire Night falls on a Tuesday this year, so while there will be plenty to see and do then, there will also be events held on the weekend.

Say Ciao to Little Venice

A tranquil area amongst the busyness of the city, Little Venice is a district in West London near the junction of the Grand Union Canal, Regent’s Canal and the entrance to Paddington Basin. Known for its lavish Regency-style terraces, greenery, water vistas and narrowboats, Little Venice is the perfect place to spend a cosy autumn afternoon. You can wander along the River Thames and see the triangular pool which allows the boats to turn and the famous willow tree, and even enjoy a coffee break at one of the floating eateries or explore the floating art gallery.

There are restaurants, theatres, pubs and shops to keep you entertained, and trust us when we say that having Little Venice in the background of your photos will make everyone who is not in London in autumn a wee bit jealous!

Get Historical in Greenwich

Known for its maritime history, classical buildings and the ultra-modern O2, Greenwich has a bit of everything for everyone. Perfect for autumn walks by the River Thames, you can enjoy the sprawling green spaces and lush trees while experiencing some of the best views of London’s skyline atop Point Hill. Located on the hill are The Royal Observatory and the Greenwich Meridian Line – the line that connects the eastern and western hemispheres. If you want to see autumnal London from the sky, you can also hop on the IFS Cloud Cable Car from the Greenwich side.

To escape from the cold, head inside the magnificent 19^th-century Cutty Sark and learn about the world’s last surviving tea clipper, or see the universe like never before at the Peter Harrison Planetarium. Then, once you have warmed up find something delicious to eat and drink at Greenwich Market which is filled with street food from around the world, as well as quirky gifts, crafts, designs, antiques, and collectables. Go on, treat yourself to a souvenir from your day out!

Eat and Drink at Borough Market

Autumn in London calls for pumpkin soup, hot cider, and artisanal cheeses, and the best place to find these delights is the famous Borough Market. One of the largest and oldest food markets in London, the market site dates to the 12^th century – but we promise that the goodies are fresh!

Borough Market is an ideal place to wander, taste and smell your way around collecting sweet treats to enjoy now, and good-quality produce to help make a delish meal later in the day. From fresh pasta, and seafood to bagels, pies and vegetables, it has everything a market should with the added bonus of being iconic and situated in central London.

Explore London’s Museums and Galleries

If London in autumn has you feeling a little chilly, then we suggest heading indoors and letting your mind do the wandering. You can easily spend a full day at one of London’s many free and accessible museums or galleries. From art enthusiasts to history buffs and die-hard football fans, there is a dedicated space for everyone. Our suggestions include:

Enjoy a Show in the West End

Another inside activity to warm up the soul! London is bursting at the seams with theatre shows and musicals in the West End. Whether you want to experience the bright lights of Piccadilly Circus, the historic vibes of Leicester Square or the iconic cobbled streets of Covent Garden, the West End is vast (the permitters are debatable!), and home to so many wonderful theatres that are sure to turn your chilly autumn outing into an unforgettable one.

Embrace the chill and make this London in autumn the best yet! What are your favourite autumn activities?